The unexpected

CARLA

February 20th 2019

It had been six days since Max' death. Six days since the love of my life died. Six days since I became a widow. Six days since our wedding anniversary. And six whole days I'd spent curled up in bed, refusing to eat, refusing to communicate, and refusing get dressed.

"They say when someone becomes depressed, basic everyday, chores become an effort. For example, just having a shower, or brushing your teeth, or getting dressed."

My grandma Margret - or jiggles as we call her behind her back, because she shakes her fat round the house - has come round to 'knock some sense into me'. I heard her outside the door before she came in.

"James she hasn't left her bed for six days! What are you doing boy!"

This was followed by a slap to the head. As soon as I heard the noise and the 'ow' from James, I knew what she had done. She's been doing it to him since we were little kids. Every time he did something she thought was unacceptable, or silly, he would get a clout round the head.

"I'm sorry grandma, but she's grieving"

"I'll knock some sense into her, just you see"

"Grandma I really think you should leave her, she needs time on her own"

Smack. Another hit round the head.

"Shut up boy! I've got this"

She entered the room, her grey fluffy curls poking through the door (her hair looked like a dogs tail) as she spun her head round to look at me. My only reaction was to faintly smile. I really had no energy to try be nice.

"How are you dear?"

I shrugged in response, hoping she would just leave.

"Well, I think you need to talk to somebody sweetie. How about to me?"

"Maybe" I mumbled.

That's when she said her comment about being depressed. I wasn't sure what she was getting at, but I presume it was because I was doing those things. I hadn't brushed my teeth, I hadn't got myself dressed, and I hadn't showered.

So I was sat looking at her, waiting for her to respond with something else.

"You have become depressed my dear"

I chose to not reply. No actions and no words.

It took roughly forty seconds - I counted the ticks on the clock - for her to snap.

"That's it! I've had enough you are getting out of that bed!"

Scurrying round the room like a chipmunk, she peeled some clothes out the wardrobe and threw them at me.

"Ow!"

"Ow my arse! You can not sit here and mope around all day! You will only feel worse"

My reflection was staring back at me through her emerald green eyes, and I could briefly see how ill I looked. Maybe she was right. But I didn't have the energy to get up and move.